It has been another bad week for the government. Growth down to 0.1 per cent, a briefing war engulfing No. 10 and now the Budget plans in crisis too. So amid all the various dramas, one story has gone somewhat under the radar. Nine four-star generals signed an open letter to the Times – timed to coincide with Armistice Day – warning that ‘lawfare’ and the erosion of soldiers’ trust in the legal system is a direct national security threat. A warning Sir Keir would do well to heed…
One of those leading the charge against veteran prosecutions is Sir David Davis, the veteran Tory MP. He secured an adjournment debate in the Commons, quoting the generals’ warnings at length and adding:
The Government would do well to heed those warnings. Failure to do so brings injustice for those who served our country with honour, and threatens the future effectiveness of our armed forces. Every would-be enemy of the United Kingdom is watching how we handle this matter, and looking at plans for retaliation in our law courts as a way to avenge their defeat on the battlefields. As the generals warn in their letter: “make no mistake, our closest allies are watching uneasily, and our enemies will be rubbing their hands.”
Expect more drama when the Troubles Bill returns to parliament next week. You can watch the full debate here and a clip below:
Comments